Cycling’s global governing body, the UCI, has proposed reforms to make road racing safer, more competitive and more appealing, particularly to younger audiences. Its “Future of Cycling” report seeks to convert a large but passive audience into more engaged fans, while addressing concerns about the sport’s fragmented calendar, financial disparities and limited commercial potential.

The recommendations include a more geographically coherent race calendar, transfer windows, simpler rankings, stronger lower divisions and possible team budget caps. Professional UCI Tour teams had a combined budget of £731m in 2025, although spending varies considerably; the UCI said financial controls could improve competitive balance but acknowledged this remains divisive. Safety proposals include stricter course and barrier standards, fewer convoy vehicles, greater use of drones, GPS tracking and possibly brake lights, following heightened concern after teenager Finlay Tarling died in a collision with a non-race vehicle.